-
The Visible Hand by Matthew Hennessey
The Visible Hand introduces teens to basic free-market economics in a way that’s accessible and entertaining. The Visible Hand: A Wealth of Notions on the Miracle of the Market by Matthew Hennesey. Encounter Books, 2022, 220 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 16-18 Recommended for: ages 15-up Who says we can’t have everything? What’s the problem with a minimum wage? Why can’t we afford a vacation this year? If gas prices go too high, isn’t there something the government can do to fix it? These are legitimate questions that even teenagers may be starting to ask. Mark Hennessey is a journalist, not an economist—in fact he never even thought much about…
-
Brand New Kid by David Almond
Brand New Boy explores the “humanity” of manufactured humans through the eyes of curious middle-school students. Brand New Boy by David Almond, with pictures by Marta Altés. Candlewick, 2022, 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 What to make of the New Kid? Daniel and his mates at Darwin Avenue Primary Academy are intrigued when the headmistress, Mrs. Hoolihan, announces a new boy at school. Her excitement indicates more than an ordinary transfer student, and indeed, George is peculiar. He doesn’t have a last name, doesn’t appear to have a family, and doesn’t respond to normal kid interaction. But on the second day his ear…
-
Maze Runner Series: a Christian Response
High octane, fast-paced adventure books for teens, the Maze Runner books raise interesting questions if readers can stop long enough to ponder. The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner. Delacorte. The Maze Runner. 2009. 375 pages.The Scorch Trials. 2010. 394 pages.The Death Cure. 2011. 368 pages.(The Kill Order; a prequel. 2012. Not covered in this review.)(The Fever Code; another prequel. 2016. Not covered in this review.) Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teens, ages 14 and up When Thomas arrives in the Glade, in a box, he is utterly bewildered. All he remembers is his first name. No other memories: no last name, no parents or family, no idea…
-
Mac Powell Announces Fall 2022 Tour
Recently on social media, Mac Powell announced that he’ll be hitting the road this fall for “an acoustic night of hits, stories, and faith,” with supporting artists Mike Donehey, Josh Baldwin, and David Leonard. The tour will kick off on October 25 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and wrap up on November 20 in Lexington, Kentucky. “Each show will be a night of songs filled with faith and the stories behind them,” Mac Powell posted on Facebook. “Designed like a Nashville songwriters round, this intimate concert experience will bring you closer to the music and allow you to see the heart behind the songs you love.” Tickets for the Mac Powell &…
-
FOR KING + COUNTRY Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning duo and Curb Word Entertainment recording artist FOR KING COUNTRY made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, August 12. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone stepped onto the world-renowned stage to perform songs from their second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? “It’s not every day you connect so intimately with a group of people,” for KING & COUNTRY shared. “Many thanks to the marvelous Opry team for extending the invitation, the video crew for capturing all the magic this evening, and to each of you in the room and listening online for welcoming us with open arms (and a standing ovation!).…
-
Newsboys Set to Release Deluxe Album
The Christian music group, Newsboys, is releasing a deluxe edition of their album, STAND, on September 23, 2022. In this edition, the beloved group serves up three new recordings, elevating the album to a full 14 tracks. “King of Kings,” which features MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, adds a moment of praise and adoration to the collection. Lead singer Michael Tait also co-penned two originals found on the extended-release, “Jesus Did,” and “All Things Are Possible”. Additionally, STAND (Deluxe) includes an acoustic version of “I Still Believe You’re Good” and a fresh take on the title cut that features Tait’s former dcTalk bandmate, TobyMac. Current band members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips,…
-
Seventh Day Slumber to Join Fozzy on Fall 2022 Tour
Nashville, Tennesee-based legendary hard rock band Seventh Day Slumber has announced that they will be joining Chris Jericho’s metal powerhouse band Fozzy on their 2022 Save the World Tour. Launching September 8 at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio, the tour will span the US and into Canada, wrapping up October 10 at Elevation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more information and tickets, click here. A list of tour dates is below. September 8 Columbus, OH September 9 Louisville, KY September 10 Flint, MI September 11 Pittsburgh, PA September 12 Grand Rapids, MI September 15 Bloomington, IL September 16 Hobart, IN September 17 Milwaukee, WI September 18 Cincinnati, OH…
-
Madison Johnson of CAIN Welcomes First Child
Recently on social media, CAIN bassist Madison Johnson announced that she gave birth to her first child. The baby boy, Calloway Davy Johnson, was born on August 2. “Almost everything went wrong. But still, here I am, wrapped in so much love from my family, my friends, and this little boy,” Madison shared on Instagram. “Cal and I just met, but he curls into me like we were made for each other… Thank you, Lord, for baby Calloway Davy.” After the success of their debut album, Rise Up, CAIN has continued to remain a rising force in Christian music. The trio recently released their song “I’m So Blessed” to radio…
-
Steel Girls On The Home Front by Michelle Rawlins
Friendship And Hope Steel Girls On The Home Front by Michelle Rawlins is a fabulous historical novel and the third book in The Steel Girls series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous two books first. Once more we rejoin the Sheffield steel girls in 1940. It is lovely […]
-
The Couple At Causeway Cottage by Diane Jeffrey
Wow! The Couple At Causeway Cottage by Diane Jeffrey is a marvellous contemporary psychological thriller that had me gripped from the start. Diane Jeffrey really is a master of her craft as she takes the ordinary and spins it into a sinister tale. The setting could be idyllic or isolated – you choose. The darkness […]
